Boris Becker recently faced backlash for endorsing ESPN’s ranking of the top athletes of the 21st century, where Roger Federer was placed above Novak Djokovic. Becker, known for his straightforward opinions, agreed with the assessment, which sparked a heated debate in the tennis community.
The German legend had a one-word reaction to the post:
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) July 21, 2024
Interestingly, the youngest men’s singles Wimbledon champion in the Open Era has coached Djokovic in the past and maintains good relations with him till date. So one would think that Becker would have a better idea than most about the Serb, both in terms of how he is as a person and his playing abilities.
But Becker surprised many by endorsing ESPN’s opinion that Federer is greater than Djokovic. While Federer was ranked 6th in that ESPN list, Djokovic was ranked 11th. Many enthusiasts, even those who weren’t superfans of the 24-time Grand Slam champion, wanted to give Becker a reality check.
What does it mean “word”?.. Does it mean you agree this list and rankings?.. I think it’s nonsense.. I’m your big fan but I’m sure you have an opinion on this than just word.. what is it?
— Chandra (@chan_b13) July 21, 2024
Nah Boris.When it comes to ranking tennis players
— ank (@anknorth) July 21, 2024
It’s shameless (sends bad message to younger generation of tennis players across the as tennis is international sport .It’s casual xenophobia.
Yet you’re pandering to it
Siehst du auch Rodger über Novak?
— Mes93 (@Mester93S) July 21, 2024
Novak not top 10 is an abomination.
— iki the Opera Singer!#24,428 (@operskapevacica) July 21, 2024
Although Becker had a lot of respect for Federer even before he coached Djokovic, many believe that it is ‘PR and bias’ in the United States that sees the Swiss legend in the top 10 of that list. But Becker’s assessment can come as a surprise for many because of his beef with him in 2015.
Becker had indirectly called Federer fake while coaching Djokovic
Almost a decade ago, Becker appeared to have felt differently about Federer. In his book ‘Wimbledon: My Life and Career at the All England Club’, the German wrote that had Federer shown his true self in the sport, he might not have been as globally popular as he has been over the years.
It was a clear dig at the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Becker’s exact words were:
“The reason Roger is one of the highest-paid athletes of all time is because he’s liked by everybody. But think about this – you can’t possibly be liked by everybody. He makes good money out of his image, but would he make less if we saw a bit more of his true feelings?”
While some may argue that Federer has transcended the sport to be in the same league as the likes of Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps and Lionel Messi, it remains debatable whether he is a greater player than Djokovic.
